Edward Monarch Jamieson was born in April 1890 in Bamber Bridge to Alice Jamieson, age 40, and Edward Jamieson, age 33. Edward senior was a locomotive engine driver. In 1911, Edward Jamieson was living with two sons, Richard and Edward Monarch on Dewhurst Row in Cuerden.

​The 'Monarch' part of his name is derived from the name of the locomotive engine that used to serve the small branch line that went into Dewhursts' Cuerden Mill. It is unknown if his father used to drive it, but the tracks went up Dewhurst Row and into the mill complex.

Edward Monarch Jamieson enlisted with the 7th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment at Preston in September 1914. They were formed as part of the Second New Army to join the 56th Brigade of the 19th Division. They then moved to Tidworth, and then on to Andover. In February 1915 they moved to Clevedon and then Salisbury Plain.

On 18 July 1915 the 19th Division were mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne and the Division engaged in various actions including the action of Pietre. In 1916, the 19th Division were engaged at the Battle of Albert, the attacks on High Wood, the Battle of Pozieres Ridge and the Battle of the Ancre Heights, where Edward Monarch Jamieson was to be killed in action. There is little of note about the day in the official War Diary.

The local newspapers reported his death as follows.

BAMBER BRIDGE SOLDIER KILLED BY SHRAPNEL. The father of Private Edward Monarch Jamieson of the East Lancashire Regiment, has received information that his son was killed in France on October 14th last. Prior to the War he resided at 26, Dewhurst’s-row. He enlisted in November, 1914. A letter has been received from Lieut. Wrack, for whom he acted as orderly, stating that he was killed by shrapnel, and died a soldier’s death without pain. The officer says Jamieson was a good soldier, and ever ready to do his duty. Preston Daily Post, Wednesday, 15 November, 1916, also Preston Herald, 18 November, 1916.

The Registers of Soldiers' Effects show that Edward Monarch's remaining pay was paid to his father and his War Gratuity of £9 was split equally three ways between his brother Richard and his two sisters, Alice Cheetham and Elizabeth Woodcock on 12 December 1919.

Charles O'DonnellPlease email the project with any amendments or corrections Published 13 November 2016